Hillsborough’s fresh new Farmers’ Market opens Saturday 4th June

The thriving heritage village of Hillsborough is set to revive the time-honoured tradition of the Farmers’ Market. Supported by Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council, the first of two Farmers’ Markets will take place on Saturday 4th June at The Courthouse, followed by a second market on Saturday 2nd July 2016.

With fresh, organic foods, the Farmers’ Markets will showcase the best local primary and artisan produce. The market will feature independent food producers, such as Passion Preserved, Mike’s Fancy Cheese, Neary Nogs Artisan Chocolate, Buchanan’s Farm Shop and Amberline’s organic produce and preserves. Start-ups including Erin Burgess’ Grain & Co Bakery and Sarah McGreechan’s Sarah’s World Fare and Little Pink Kitchen will also be present.

'Local start-ups Claire Kelly, Passion Preserved and Erin Burgess of Grain & Co Bakery get set to showcase the best of local produce as Hillsborough revive the time-honoured tradition of the Farmers’ Market.'

This impressive bill of fare for the first Farmers’ Market is ardently supported by Hillsborough’s local food and hospitality businesses, such as The Plough Inn and Azora Café. Other street-food vendors include Hog Plate and Pizza Box, and all the food producers involved are committed to sourcing as much of their ingredients as possible from home-grown sources. Claire Kelly, of Passion Preserved said: “As independent traders, initiatives like these Farmers’ Markets are essential to our livelihood and there is something really rewarding for both us as producers and customers in buying direct from source. It is a very social way of doing business and getting the weekly food shop done! We are always extremely grateful for the support of local established businesses and it is great to see a few of them getting involved.”

Speaking about the forthcoming markets, Alderman Allan Ewart, Chairman of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council Development Committee, said: “We are excited about bringing a new Farmers’ Market to Hillsborough during the NI Year of Food and Drink 2016. We see these two markets as a pilot exercise to gauge potential for a regular Farmers’ Markets in Hillsborough. We consider these initiatives as essential platforms in supporting our talented and committed native food producers and consequently local businesses.”

Hillsborough and the surrounding area is held in high-esteem for its agricultural heritage, epicurean offering and food-devoted festivals held throughout the year. It would seem to be the ideal location for a regular, well-supported, Farmers’ Market. With stall holders selling everything from in-season fruit and vegetables to specialist small batch artisan produce, the Hillsborough Farmers’ Markets are must attend events for food connoisseurs and anyone who loves to support, buy and eat local.

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